Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta will
be on hand tomorrow as FDNY Chaplain Msgr. John Delendick
presides over the 2nd Annual Blessing of the Marine Fleet
at the South Street Seaport. For over 130 years fireboats
have played a critical role in many emergencies throughout
our city’s history. The boats assisted in operations
at many incidents including the nine alarm fire at the St.
George Ferry Terminal in 1946 and the 1973 collision of the
Sea Witch and the oil tanker Esso Brussels under the Verrazano
Bridge in which 31 crewmembers were rescued. During the events
of September 11th fireboats were on the scene to pump water
and evacuate survivors. Most recently on February 21, 2003
the division responded to a fuel barge explosion at Port Mobil
on Staten Island. In addition fireboats provide fire protection
for the Macy’s Annual 4th of July Fireworks Display.
The Marine Division is currently comprised of seven ships
that protect more than 560 miles of waterfront surrounding
New York City.

WHO:

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Chief of Department Frank
P. Cruthers, Chief of Marine Division William Siegel,
FDNY Chaplain Msgr. John Delendick, as well as other
top FDNY Officials